Not just for office workers

Proper workplace ergonomics and maintaining good desk posture isn’t only for office workers. Workers in every industry may be at risk for musculoskeletal disorders, which can be the result of cumulative stress due to sustained movements or body positions.

60 percent engaged in one or more of the following activities: moving heavy loads or people at least 25 percent of the time, maintaining tiring or painful positions at least 25 percent of the time or standing almost all or all of the time

75 percent used repetitive hand/arm movements at least 25 percent of the time

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently reported that prolonged standing was associated with musculoskeletal disorders, including back pain and muscle pain. Sixty-six percent of workers in the survey reported frequent standing at work.

“Regardless of whether it’s an office, manufacturing or construction site — very different settings — we are evaluating the same exposure to risk factors,” according to Tim Collin, president and CEO of CompRehab, an SFM subsidiary.

Risk factors such as awkward positions, repetition, force and lack of recovery time can be reduced with accommodations or modifications to the work environment.

How to maintain a neutral posture at work while sitting

A neutral posture helps mitigate the risks that go along with awkward positions and postures. Whether you’re sitting or standing, some basic guidelines apply.

Follow these six ergonomic tips for maintaining proper posture:

Keep your feet resting comfortably on the floor or on a footrest.

Your thighs should be fully supported by the chair seat, with your hips at a 90 to 110 degree angle.

The backrest of your chair should support the natural curve of the back.

Your upper arms should be resting comfortably at your side, with elbows at a 90 to 100 degree angle.

Your head should be centered over your neck and shoulders.

Don’t lean forward in your chair to avoid putting strain on the neck and back.

How to maintain a neutral posture while standing

Increasing numbers of desk workers are turning to sit-stand workstations, or standing desks.

Follow these seven tips to maintain an ergonomic posture while working at a standing desk:

Feet should be resting comfortably on an even surface.

Wear shoes with insoles.

Stand on an anti-fatigue mat with beveled edges that sits flat on the floor.

Keep your knees unlocked.

Your upper arms should rest comfortably at your side, with elbows at a 90-100 degree angle.

Wrists should be held straight, not pressing into the edge of a counter or table.

The 20-8-2 rule offers a quick rule of thumb to remind you to change positions and get up and move. This “ideal work pattern” was pioneered by Dr. Alan Hedge, a professor of ergonomics at Cornell University.

For every half-hour of work:

Sit for 20

Stand for 8

Stretch or move for 2

The frequency of position changes may be more important than the length of the break. Changing positions often will help you maintain focus and energy throughout your workday.

Workplace ergonomics tools that can help

There are a number of products available that you can purchase to help you and your employees work with a neutral posture. Many are inexpensive.

These include:

HeadsetsCradling a phone between your shoulder and neck can cause strain. If you need your hands free while using the phone, try using a headset instead.

Mouse bridges / keyboard cushionsKeyboards should be set flat, and your wrists should be raised and level, resting on a cushion. Avoid placing your wrists on the edge of the table or desk. This also applies when using a mouse. Your keyboard and your mouse should both be in easy reach.

Adjustable monitor standsUse adjustable monitor stands to keep the screen of your monitor at eye level, or slightly below eye level for those who use bifocals. They are usually inexpensive and easy to use. Center the monitor in front of your keyboard.

Document holdersInstead of looking at a piece of paper lying flat on the table, use a document holder to keep the page in line with your computer, keeping everything at eye level. This will prevent excessively bending your neck, and it’s easier to read.

RisersA riser is a wedge-shaped product that can be placed on the floor under the desk. If the height adjustment on your chair leaves your feet unable to touch the ground, use a riser to give yourself a footrest. They are adjustable and inexpensive, and they take the weight off your upper thighs and reduce pressure from the chair edge.

Adjustable chairsMaking sure your chair is the right size is one of the easiest ways to improve comfort. Make sure the height, seat, arms and recline are all adjustable. If the table or counter you work at isn’t adjustable, be sure to set the height of your chair so that your arms rest comfortably at your sides and don’t press into the edge of the table or counter. Adjust your chair so that you maintain neutral positions.

Sit-stand workstationsSit-stand workstations can help keep you from sitting all day long, but it’s important to shift between sitting and standing. Switching to standing all day won’t prevent strains and pains — it just moves them to different areas. Going back and forth between the two throughout the day is the best way to utilize sit-stand workstations.

0 Comments

October 17, 2018

Thank you for sharing.

I find the 20-8-2 rule to be a very useful practice.

October 21, 2018

As a functional movement specialist I definitely agree with this article and with the importance of ergonomics in every workplace…repetitive and sometimes weird movements performed at the office negatively influence our muscular health in the long run.